Sandy was born to Gerard and Ruth Mally in Denver, Colorado on October 22, 1940. She enjoyed growing up with her identical twin sister Sally and their younger sister Sherri. She was an exceptional student, involved in debate, active in social clubs, played tennis and enjoyed time with family and friends. Sandy graduated from St. Francis High School and then Loretto Heights College. After college, Sandy married her loving husband, John Alenius, whom she met in college on a blind date. They were married at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Denver on June 30, 1962. They welcomed Connie, Mark and Patty within the first three years of their marriage and Bill joined the family six years later. John served in the Air Force, and Sandy served with him for 23 years living in various cities including Colorado Springs; San Antonio; Kansas City; Ottawa, Ontario; and, finally Sacramento, California. Sandy embraced the military life, making a home for the family in every new location. Their last military assignment in Sacramento, California became home for them for 20 years, as John retired from the military and worked for Vision Service Plan. They loved their time in California and made many good friends there. After John retired from Vision Service Plan, they relocated to San Antonio, reconnecting with many friends they had made when stationed at Randolph Air Force Base and with family in Texas.
In addition to being an amazing wife, mother and friend, Sandy was an avid tennis player, participating in numerous leagues, competing and winning tournaments for decades. She also volunteered in many of her children’s activities and was present at her children’s sporting events. After her children went away to college, Sandy participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, serving for many years in Sacramento and San Antonio in this role. She also enjoyed traveling with John and friends to many cities and countries. Sandy took up golf after John retired and they enjoyed playing together for many years, and continued playing ma jong – a game she enjoyed during her time as a military wife. Sandy always enjoyed good company and conversation, enjoying time with family and friends, who remained dear to her throughout her life.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Alenius; daughter, Connie Wisniewski (John); son, Mark Alenius (Debbie); daughter, Patricia Kaufman; and son, William Alenius; aunt, Sister Jeanne Roach, SC; grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Carly, David, Jack, Nicole, Monica, Jack, Calib and Calista; great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Elijah, Ambrose, Collins, Blair, and Thaddeus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sandy will be missed deeply – her wit, devotion, sarcasm, and wisdom are now enjoyed in memory fondly. We are all grateful for her presence in our lives and she will live forever in our hearts. Sandy’s faith was steadfast; we have confidence she has rejoined her parents (Ruth and Gerard Mally), sisters (Sally Cunningham and Sherri Libonati), and aunt Sister Lucia Mao, SC in Heaven. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, “GramSandy”, sister, aunt, and friend who brought joy to many people. Sandy modeled a life of caring for others, making God, her family, and friends a priority. Her love of others is a testament and example and all who knew her.
The family will be receiving friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E. A rosary will immediately follow at 7:00 in the chapel.
The Mass will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 20523 Huebner Rd., followed by a luncheon. Interment will take place at 1:15 p.m. in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach.
In lieu of flowers, Sandy would have loved to know that prayers are offered for the well-being of all family and friends that knew and loved her.
The livestream for the service can be viewed here: https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/mf-fwp/pl/pl_20250422-alenius.html
